Not everyone loves laying on the beach on vacation. If you revel in winter sports, fresh cold air, and breathtaking snowy landscapes, check out these popular Canadian travel destinations for the best winter getaways.
La Mauricie National Park, Quebec.
Enjoy a stay in an Otentik--a rustic combination of a cabin and a tent--with your family in Quebec's beautiful national park, and experience adventurous treks through the wintry landscape by hiking, snowshoeing and Nordic walking along Rivière à la Pêche.
Don't forget to check out the Défis due Parc Nordique, a three-day festival with running, skiing and other winter competitions.
Whistler, British Columbia. Besides being the ski capital of Canada, Whistler features numerous other winter sports and activities to enjoy, such as ice-climbing, dog sledding, ice-fishing, ice-skating, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snow cat tours, and bald eagle viewing.
If you're a real adventure-seeker, you can zip-line 600 feet above the forest floor in British Columbia's back country.
Lake Louise, Alberta. Relax at a beautiful lakeside resort and enjoy ice-fishing, skating, and horseback riding along scenic trails. At the
Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts, sip a frosty cocktail at the beautiful ice-lounge at the Deer Lodge, while cozily wrapped in a sheepskin fur among flickering candles.
Winnipeg, Manitoba. If you're an ice-skating enthusiast, the frozen Assiniboine and Red Rivers in downtown Winnipeg form one long skating rink called the Red River Mutual Trail, the Guinness World Record holder for the longest natural ice skating trail. After spending a day gliding across the ice, bundle up and visit RAW: Almond--a unique dining experience that includes delicious food and ice-sculpted seating.
Montreal, Quebec.
Not a big fan of winter sports? This old-worldly French-Canadian city boasts beautiful architecture, decadent restaurants, and plenty of boutiques for the shopaholic. However, Montreal isn't all urban pleasures--you can skate across the ice on Parc La Fontaine, or toboggan and cross-country ski on top of Mont Royal. If you're a foodie, be sure to visit between February and March and check out the famed culinary festival Montreal en Lumiere.